Clan Fenton facts for kids
Clan Fenton is a historic Scottish clan. A clan is like a large family group, often sharing a common ancestor and a specific area. Clan Fenton does not currently have a clan chief who is officially recognised. This recognition usually comes from the Lord Lyon King of Arms, who is the official in Scotland responsible for coats of arms and clan matters.
Because there is no recognised chief, Clan Fenton is known as an armigerous clan. This means that at one time, the clan did have a chief who held the official clan arms. However, no one holds these specific arms today. The Fenton family's coat of arms is described as: a red shield with a silver wavy band across it.
Where Did the Fentons Come From?
The Fenton family first came from the lands of Fenton. These lands were located near Dirleton in an area called East Lothian, Scotland.
Early History and Important Figures
One important person from the clan was Sir William Fenton. He was known as "Lord of Beaufort." Sir William was involved in a significant historical event. He was one of the "auditors" who met in Berwick. These auditors were important people who helped decide between the claims of two powerful figures. They debated who should be the King of Scotland: Robert the Bruce or John de Balliol.
According to a historian named Alexander Nisbet, Sir William Fenton, or perhaps his son, married a woman named Cecilia Bisset. Cecilia was one of the co-heiresses of William Bisset, who was the Lord of Lovat. A co-heiress means she was one of several daughters who would inherit property.
The main line of the Lowland Fentons eventually ended. This happened when an heiress from the Fenton family married a member of the Whitelaw family.
Moving to New Lands
The Fenton family originally lived at Fenton near Dirleton. But by the mid-1200s, they had moved their main home. Their new home was at Baikie Castle. This castle was located on an island between two small lakes in the area of Airlie in Angus.
You can still see their family arms displayed there today. They are carved into a special cupboard, called an aumbry, in the parish church of Airlie. Around the year 1275, the Fentons gained new lands near Inverness through marriage. These lands were at a place called Beaufort. The family then used the title "Lord of Beaufort" in their official documents and agreements in that area.
